Rear Admiral John Roberts, 95, from Whitstable, was serving as a sub lieutenant on D-Day.

“I was in a ringside seat,” he said.

“There were bombers, battle ships – everything was firing at the shore but it was a success and we knew that almost by the end of that day.

“We caught the Germans by surprise. They didn’t think we were going to come there.”

Rear Admiral Roberts said he believed the 75th commemorations could be the final events with veterans.

“People that took part will no longer be here,” he said.

“I haven’t been on a boat for 40 years now – I hope I’m not seasick.”

Ted Smith, 62, vice-chairman of the Dover branch of the Royal British Legion, welcomed each of the veterans to the port.

“It has been very emotional,” he said.

“If it hadn’t been for these guys where would we be today?”

The invasion of northern France in 1944 was the most significant victory of the Western Allies in #WW2. To mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Jack Smith is one of hundreds of D-Day veterans who we are taking back to Normandy. Read Jack’s story: https://t.co/psL5Fz4Scp#DDay75pic.twitter.com/pGJ0UC8ObP

The Services of Remembrance at Bayeux Cathedral and at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Bayeux will be attended by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

A Service of Remembrance will also be held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, attended by 20 veterans.

In addition, the Legion’s community teams will host hundreds of local events across the UK.

Large lettering spelling “D-Day 75”, covered in messages of support and remembrance from members of the public, will also be placed in Arromanches for veterans to read.

(PA Graphics)

Lt Gen James Bashall, national president of the charity, said: “The liberation of Normandy went on for many months after the D-Day landings, and it is important that we remember all those who played a role, from the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and the Allied Forces.

“A tremendous sacrifice was made for the peace, democracy and diversity we know today, and we must pass on the torch of Remembrance to new generations, today, tomorrow and forever.”